With foul air having earned it the crown of the 'most polluted city in the world,' Delhi is now taking steps to honour its precious greens.The government has decided to go beyond the legacy of forts and tombs, and recognise the Capital's 'natural heritage'.

With foul air having earned it the crown of the 'most polluted city in the world,' Delhi is now taking steps to honour its precious greens.

The government has decided to go beyond the legacy of forts and tombs, and recognise the Capital's 'natural heritage'.

A list of 10 trees, belonging to the native species of Aravalli and NCR, has been drawn up. Most of these lie in south and New Delhi districts, which are richer in greenery.

TREES TO BE PROTECTED LIKE MONUMENTS

These will soon be notified as 'protected' by the Environment Department, akin to the city's several monuments.

They will also be adorned with signboards, warning against damage, describing their ecological and botanical value, and relating any historical stories surrounding them.HOME TO ANCIENT TREES

Holding interim charge of Environment, Delhi cabinet minister, Kapil Mishra, said, "This city has seen continuous habitation since the 6th Century BC. It has been ruled by Lodhis, Khiljis, Tughlaks, British etc., who built several temples and mosques. These are home to ancient trees and we must give due respect to them."

"Also, the native trees of Delhi like jamun, pilkhan, shahtoot, kadamb, etc. are getting lost. The ones which survive, and have served an increasingly urbanising Delhi for 100-200 years, deserve protection from us."

Officials gave credit to the work of a tree scientist based in Tasmania (Australia) and also prominent author, Pradeep Krishen. The former stayed in India for several months in 2012 and developed a list from which the Delhi Environment Department took cues. Besides, Krishen's book Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide gave ready descriptions. "This is not the end of it. Suggestions from tree lovers and experts are welcome, and we will add them to the list," said Kapil Mishra.

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